Discovering the Wild West of Wine: A Conversation with Bezel Winemaker Jane Dunkley

When most wine lovers think of California, their minds jump straight to Napa or Sonoma. But there’s another region quietly building its reputation—one that winemaker Jane Dunkley describes as having a touch of the Wild West. That region is Paso Robles, and in Episode 37 of the Inside Wine Podcast, Jane joined host Joe Janish to explain why this Central Coast gem is worth your attention.

Jane’s story, the ethos behind Bezel Wines, and the vibrant, pioneering spirit of Paso Robles come together in a conversation that’s both inspiring and deliciously informative.

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From Western Australia to Paso Robles

Jane is far from your typical California winemaker. Born and raised on a beef cattle farm in Western Australia, she grew up hours from the nearest major city. Her early memories include following her dad into the local winery, mesmerized by the cool, cave‑like cellar and its mix of aromas, sounds, and mystery.

In 2014, she came to California expecting to stay only for a three‑month harvest internship with Randall Grahm in Santa Cruz. But those “three months” turned into a decade-long adventure—a testament to how deeply she fell in love with the West Coast wine world.

Why Paso Robles? Freedom, Creativity, and Community

Paso Robles offers something unique in the wine world: freedom.

Jane explains that the region still feels like the Wild West—full of experimentation, creative energy, and space for winemakers to grow without rigid rules or traditions. Paso’s incredibly diverse microclimates and soil types mean almost any grape variety can thrive there, from Rhône varietals to Italian classics to bold Californian standbys.

Another defining characteristic is Paso’s dramatic day‑night temperature swings. Hot days and cool nights help grapes retain acidity and produce wines that are fresh and balanced rather than overly ripe. That structure, Jane says, is something she leans into heavily when crafting Bezel wines.

But what truly sets Paso apart is its sense of community. Instead of competition, there’s collaboration—winemakers share knowledge, taste together, and help each other succeed. Jane is part of a long‑running Women in Wine tasting group that has served as both a professional resource and a deeply meaningful support network.

Bezel Wines: Cakebread Inspired, Uniquely Paso

Bezel Wines is a relatively new project from the Cakebread family, designed as a fresh exploration of the West Coast while maintaining Cakebread’s signature focus on balance, freshness, and food‑friendliness.

Bezel sources grapes from:

• Paso Robles for Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc
• SLO Coast for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Jane emphasizes that while the wines share Cakebread’s philosophy, they are not meant to mimic Cakebread’s Napa style. Instead, Bezel reflects the character of Paso Robles and the SLO Coast—expressive, energetic, and a little adventurous.

With price points around $25–$30, Bezel is also intentionally accessible, appealing to younger drinkers and anyone looking for high‑quality wine without pretense.

Food Pairings, Jane‑Style

Jane’s passion for food shows throughout the conversation. To her, wine is fundamentally about gastronomy and bringing people together.

Philly Cheesesteak → Cabernet Sauvignon

The tannins and acidity cut through the richness of ribeye and melted cheese.

Pepperoni Pizza → Syrah/Shiraz

The smoky, savory qualities of Syrah match beautifully with pepperoni’s spice and cured‑meat character.

Rich, Fatty Dishes → Riesling

While Bezel doesn’t produce one, Jane firmly believes Riesling is the ultimate food wine.

Why You Should Visit Paso Robles Now

Paso Robles is experiencing a wave of growth, but it still has the feel of a welcoming frontier—a perfect moment for first‑time visitors. Jane highlights:

• A thriving farm‑to‑table culinary scene
• Renovated mid‑century motels turned boutique hotels
• Tin City, a bustling cluster of small wineries, breweries, cideries, and eateries
• A laid‑back cowboy‑country vibe complete with custom-shaped hats and a legendary Boot Barn

According to Jane, the region is still in its “pioneering” phase—full of people eager to show newcomers what makes Paso so special.

Final Thoughts: Wine Without Pretense

Jane and Bezel Wines embody what makes Paso Robles so exciting right now: creativity, freedom, authenticity, and a commitment to making wine approachable and fun. Whether you’re a longtime wine lover or just starting your journey, Bezel and Paso Robles offer something refreshing and new.

Connect With Jane

Instagram: @janemakeswine